In the Northwest regional hub of Terrace, a city nestled between mountains and rivers, there’s a story of new beginnings for May Hua and her family. May’s husband Kent and their two sons, Bryan and Jayden, have found a new life in Northwest BC after leaving their original home in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
“We wanted a better future for our sons,” May says, reflecting on their journey. The family left Vietnam in 2021, inspired by the dream of a better education and quality of life for their children. “Canada has one of the best education systems, great schools, and very generous child care benefits. Even as permanent residents, we can access these benefits after just 18 months. We really appreciate the Canadian government for that.”
Before deciding on Canada, May and Kent considered moving to Australia. “Australia is a great place too,” May shares. “But we were offered jobs in Terrace, and when we looked it up online, we saw it was a small, peaceful town—exactly what we wanted for our family.”
Basketball courts at the Terrace Sportsplex.
When they first arrived in Terrace in 2021, May and Kent were surprised by the warmth of the locals. “In Vietnam, life is busy and fast. Here, it’s slower, quieter. People in Terrace are so friendly—they say hello even in the grocery store. That was new for us.”
Though the town’s friendly atmosphere made them feel welcome, adjusting to a new country wasn’t without its challenges. The language barrier was difficult at first, especially for their sons. “Bryan and Jayden struggled with English at the beginning,” May explains. “But within six months, everything changed. They made many friends—Canadian, Filipino, and Korean—and they adapted really well.”
May and Kent’s transition into work life in Terrace was also smoother than they’d anticipated. Both had experience in the hospitality industry, which helped them at their new jobs at the Terrace Holiday Inn. “I’m so lucky,” May shares. “The people I work with are amazing. They helped me adapt, and now they’re more than coworkers, they’re family.”
One of the biggest challenges for May was improving her English, but Skeena Diversity Society offered her the support she needed. “Skeena Diversity has been wonderful. I took English classes there, and they even helped me prepare for the English test I needed for permanent residency. They also hold many community events for Christmas and the Lunar New Year, which has helped us connect with other newcomers.”
It was also through Skeena Diversity that May found a connection to her roots. “When we first arrived, I didn’t know any other Vietnamese people in Terrace. But through Skeena Diversity, I met more families from Vietnam. Now, there’s a strong Vietnamese community here. We celebrate Tet, the Lunar New Year, together. We play traditional games, cook traditional dishes, like spring rolls and sticky rice cakes, and invite our Canadian friends to join us. It’s important for us to share our culture with our new community.”
Life in Terrace is very different from what May’s family was used to in Vietnam, but they’ve nonetheless embraced the change. “In Vietnam, life was so busy, with lots of restaurants and cafes, and it was always noisy,” May reflects. “Here, it’s all about nature. In the summer, we go camping, fishing, and hiking. Fishing has become one of our favourite activities. Kent and our sons love it—they’ve caught so many salmon!” Overall, says May, she and her family enjoy more activities than they did in Vietnam. “We go to the farmers’ market, the museum, the sports centre for swimming and ice skating, and the park for BBQs with friends.”
The vastly different weather and climate in Canada is also something that the Hua family have unexpectedly loved. “In our first winter, the first night there was snow was an amazing experience for my sons,” says May. “They had never seen snow before, so they were so surprised. They went outside and lay down on the snow, laughing and making angels. My husband and I were a little worried about the winter, but my sons just love it.”
Terrace Grand Trunk Pathway.
The family’s home, in what locals refer to as the ‘Bench’ neighbourhood, just five minutes from downtown Terrace, has become a sanctuary. May has taken up gardening, growing vegetables like water spinach, a staple from Vietnam. “We have a small garden. Our neighbours are wonderful—they share their extra veggies with us, and we do the same. It’s a great way for us to save money.”
Looking back on their journey, May feels that Terrace has become their home. “It’s quiet, peaceful, and safe. There is an airport, and a new hospital is opening soon. Our children can walk to school on their own, there’s no traffic. We feel really connected to the community.”
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering moving to the Northwest, May’s message is clear: “It’s a great place to live, especially if you’re looking for a peaceful life. But learning English is important—it helps you make friends and settle in more easily. There are lots of services here that can help.”
For May and her family, Terrace isn’t just a stop along their journey—it’s where they’ve put down roots and found a sense of belonging. “When I asked my sons if they ever want to live in a city, they said only for travel!” she says. “We’ll spend our lives in Canada. But we’ll also always stay connected to our Vietnamese culture and share it with others. That’s what makes this place feel like home.”
Terrace Mountain Trail.
